How to Build a Sunproof Wardrobe (Without Relying on Sunscreen Alone)

When it comes to sun protection, it’s tough to beat actual, physical shade. An umbrella is a good choice for times when you want added protection (and a little relief from the heat) that clothing can’t provide: think city walks, outdoor concerts, kids’ sporting events.

We like that this umbrella is made to resist the wind; even if it flips inside-out, you don’t have to worry about the ribs being irreparably bent. The reflective lining helps reduce heat buildup, which is a big deal for those long afternoons on the bleachers at the softball fields. It also folds down to a compact 11 inches, making it easy to pop into a tote bag when you’re done for the day.

Some users report that they found the handle a bit short for the umbrella’s size, and it’s definitely not the most stylish option out there. But if you want to beat the heat and the sun’s rays, this is a useful option. 

While sunscreen is always a good idea, a physical sun protector like these sun sleeves is a way to protect your arms with minimal effort on your part. They’re also great for gardening, running errands, and sitting on a patio — all places where incidental sun exposure can really add up.

We like that these are lightweight and comfortable enough even for sticky, humid summer weather, though some users report that finding the correct fit can be challenging. They also have a UPF rating of 50+, and they’re a good workaround if you want coverage without committing to a long-sleeved shirt.

Protecting your eyes from UVA/UVB rays is just as important as protecting your skin. Repeated unprotected sun exposure leaves you vulnerable to conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that could permanently damage your vision.

These sunglasses from Goodr are a great balance of style and utility. They’re lightweight, come in a lot of fun styles and colors, and have polarized lenses, which are especially handy for cutting glare when you’re driving or out on the water. They’re also more affordable than a lot of sunglasses out there.

I own two pairs of the Goodr OGs, and they’re my go-to for travel, hiking, and running. They’re lightweight and stay put, while the price means I don’t have to be too precious with them. Granted, they’re also less durable than more premium brands (the lenses tend to scratch easily), and there’s not much choice when it comes to fit. But for a go-everywhere pair that protects my eyes from the sun’s rays, they’re the pair I reach for when I’m running out the door.

A baseball cap doesn’t give you the comprehensive sun protection of a wide-brimmed hat; you’re still leaving your ears, the sides of your face, and your neck exposed. But you have to admit that a wide-brimmed sun hat isn’t always the most practical option for daily wear, and something is always better than nothing, especially if you have fine, thinning, or no hair at all.

This one from Lands’ End has built-in UPF 50 protection. Users report that it has a lightweight feel that works well for everyday use. It looks like a regular baseball cap, not performance gear, which makes it easier to throw on before you head out the door. We like it for quick errands, walks, or anytime you want some coverage without committing to a more dramatic, wider-brim style.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is go for a bike ride, but it can be difficult to remember to reapply sunscreen in between stops, and there’s always the risk of missing a spot (hello, weird blotches of sunburn). Plus, I live in the Midwest, where summers are hot and humid, and the idea of a long-sleeved shirt usually sounds like a unique form of torture.

However, this Columbia Tidal Tee is my happy medium. The fabric is genuinely cooling, even in the stickiest weather, and the loose fit provides good airflow. It also has built-in UPF 50 protection, no sunscreen reapplication required. Of course, that loose fit isn’t everyone’s idea of fashion, and it’s undeniably sporty-looking. But since I’m typically doing something outdoorsy anyway, I’ve never found this to be an issue (plus, it’s still more attractive than a back-of-shoulder sunburn).

For even more protection, a sun hoodie is tough to beat, giving you protection from your wrists to the top of your head. This Patagonia hoodie is the closest thing you can get to “set it and forget it” sun protection. It’s a layerable option that performs equally well for long days at the beach or on the trails. Small details, like thumb holes, give it added protection and polish. “It’s thin and comfortable yet warm and has a little stretch to it,” says writer Grace Gallagher.

That said, the color options are limited, and this isn’t the best pick for extremely hot weather. But for days when the wind picks up at the beach, or when you just need UPF 40 protection without reapplying sunscreen, this hoodie is a great option.

Hats are a no-brainer when it comes to protecting your face and scalp from the sun, but if you think tossing on a baseball cap will do it, you’re wrong. The narrow brim leaves the sides of the face and neck exposed, and it just doesn’t provide the same coverage as a wide-brim hat, like this one from Coolibar.

We like that this particular style is packable (anyone who’s tried to bring a cute sun hat on the plane can attest that it’s usually more of a pain than it’s worth) and provides UPF 50+ coverage. The wide brim protects your face. Reviewers praise how lightweight it is for hours of wear, and the chin strap helps prevent the wind from snatching it right off your head.

Speaking of which, we’ll be real: This may not be the cutest hat in your closet. But if you want full, effective coverage when you’re out and about or lounging by the pool, it’s an easy, packable option.

Rash guards may have started as a garment to help protect surfers from both sun and abrasions caused by sliding across a waxy or sandy board, but they’re just as useful for more casual beachgoers. A rash guard is meant to protect your skin from more than just the sun; it’s also an added layer of defense between your skin and things like sand and rough surf. Even if watersports aren’t your thing, a rash guard may appeal as a way to protect your skin during long days in the water, when it’s easy to forget to reapply sunscreen as diligently as you should.

We like that this option from Coolibar is less fitted than more performance-oriented rash guards, making it more comfortable for beachwear. Lightweight and quick-drying, users report that it doesn’t feel overly clingy when wet and covers the areas most prone to burning (like your shoulders and upper back) without constant sunscreen reapplication. If you’re surfing, you’ll want a more serious rash guard, but for more casual wear, this is our pick.

I quickly learned one thing when I started taking my nieces to the pool: Kids hate sunscreen. They made faces, they complained, they squirmed like I was applying acid instead of a lotion that would protect them from painful sunburns. That’s why UPF clothing can be so useful (and less painful than chasing them down every hour to reapply sunscreen).

Editor and writer Nicole Bonaccorso is a big fan of the Primary Kids Long Sleeve Rash Guard for her littles. “I love the UPF protection, and the bright colors make it easy to spot my kids on a crowded beach,” she says. The material is soft and stretchy and has built-in UPF 50 protection. This rash guard provides coverage for all the places they’re likely to burn (especially the shoulders and upper back).

Bonaccorso also likes how easy it is to mix and match the swim tops with the swim trunks (which also have UPF 50 protection). Primary does lean into bright primary colors as opposed to prints, so if your kiddo loves a good pattern, they may be a little disappointed. Still, it beats the complaints you get when you ask them for the fourth time to get out of the pool.

Swim leggings aren’t for everyone, but they’re quite useful for long beach days or if you tend to burn easily and want a more consistent layer of protection. This pair from Coolibar offers full UPF 50+ coverage, and users report that they stay in place well in the water, so you’re not constantly tugging and adjusting.

The fabric is lightweight and dries relatively quickly, which helps them feel less heavy than you might expect once you’re out of the water. They might be a little warm on very hot days, but it’s hard to argue with their effectiveness.